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Inorganic particles in cigars and cigar smoke
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 5, 1971
Summary
Cigars made with reconstituted tobacco sheets may contain cristobalite, a fibrogenic form of silica found in diatomaceous earth. These crystalline silica fragments have been detected in cigar smoke, posing potential inhalation risks.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Reconstituted tobacco sheets are utilized in manufacturing inexpensive cigars.
- These sheets frequently incorporate diatomaceous earth, a material containing cristobalite, a known fibrogenic silica mineral.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify crystalline silica forms in reconstituted tobacco sheets used in cigars.
- To determine if these fibrogenic silica particles are present in cigar smoke.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of inorganic materials in reconstituted tobacco sheets.
- Examination of cigar smoke for crystalline silica fragments.
Main Results:
- Crystalline silica, specifically cristobalite, was identified in reconstituted tobacco sheets.
- Diatom fragments containing cristobalite were observed in the main smoke stream of cigars manufactured with these sheets.
Conclusions:
- Reconstituted tobacco sheets can be a source of inhaled crystalline silica.
- The presence of fibrogenic cristobalite in cigar smoke warrants further investigation into potential health risks.